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Practical Vitari roughly wakes up Glokta with the news that an emissary from the Gurkish has arrived to offer terms, and is meeting with the Dagoskan ruling council without him. Annoyed he wasn’t notified, Glokta rushes to the meeting.

In the audience chamber are only Vissbruck, Vurms, Eider, and the majestic emissary, Shabbed al Islik Burai. After scowling at the ruling council in reprimand, Glokta insists he’s in charge and sits to hear the terms. The Emperor offers that The Union transplants can leave unharmed if they peacefully surrender the city. Since The Union is overstretched fighting wars on two fronts, the offer is generous, and Glokta promises to consider the offer and give him a decision before sunset.

After the meeting, Vitari pulls the Superior aside and reads him the riot act; surrender is not an option that Arch Lector Sult will accept. Glokta reminds her who’s in charge and soon gets confirmation from Severard that the ambassador has been taken into custody.

In a dank interrogation room below the palace, Glokta questions the Gurkish emissary about the traitor within Dagoska. After a few pieces are sliced and diced, the man admits that Vurms and Eider are the traitors. Glokta shows no surprise at the first, but feels oddly disappointed in the second. He tells Frost, “You know what to do.”1